Winner
Ruben Studdard
Runner-Up
Clay Aiken
Episodes
38
Year
2003
Judges
Simon CowellPaula AbdulRandy Jackson
Season Highlight
The closest vote in Idol history between Ruben and Clay, with just 134,000 votes separating them.
About Season 2
American Idol Season 2 aired on Fox in 2003. This was part of the show's original run, which established American Idol as the highest-rated show on American television for multiple consecutive seasons. Ruben Studdard took home the title, beating out Clay Aiken in the finale. The season featured 38 episodes and was judged by Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson.